The spa I work at is near a military post so we have maintained many of our military clients who have not PCSed or deployed. However things have slowed down with our civilian clients.
Which is sad as things are stressful on everyone and massage could go along way to help with that.
I would say this is a good time to focus on you and improving your massage skills. Take continuing education classes or simply review your DVDs, and educational material from school.
You could also use the slow times to improve your website and marketing materials or if you don't have any perhaps look into getting some. If you lack the skills you can look into doing a trade with someone who does. Also review how you advertise and think of new cost effective measures you can take. How about placing a brochure (with permission) in a local hotel lobby?
Offer promotions or discount packages to clients. Perhaps offer shorter cheaper sessions such as a 15 minute chair massage to help people relax while not impacting their wallet too much.
I plan on taking some additional classes and perhaps applying to a second spa as there is one 45 minutes from where I work now but still close to my home.What are other Massage therapists doing during this recession?
You have to keep doing something everyday to promote your business. Write articles on your website and promote it. Do mailings to your neighborhood or target market. Figure out how to bill insurance companies, network with doctors, network with other health care providers. Think of something creative to get people coming in the door - first time discounts, package deals, special 1/2 hour sessions, free consultations.
Stop blaming your lack of clients on the recession and start doing something about it.
Teach classes, write articles, blog about massage - there are tons of ideas for making money in topics related to massage.
Other activities I did to advance my career even even if massage therapy no longer became my bread and butter:
1. I wrote and compiled my experiences in a journal and after three years, this journal became the building block of my book. The Spa, Massage Therapy and Wellness Resource Book and Career Guide. Which integrated the three fields in its different contexts and intricasies.
2. I also worked a a freelance lecturer and deminstrator/trainer. I incorporated what I have learned from school, from seminars and workshops I attended and improved on them.
3. I also did some consulting work on techniques and procedures.
4. I also worked part-time in a spa.
5. I attended seminars and workshops to increase my knowledge and skills.
6. I also wrote a blog on Spa, Massage, Beauty and Wellness focusing on the Philippines.
7. I traveled and learned some of other countries' therapies and indigenous healing techniques.
8. I volunteered for community work and church activities.
9. Networked with professionals and key players in this industry during trade shows, conventions, etc.
10. Teaching and training part-time
If your heart is into this wonderful industry, there are a lot of things that you can do to advance your career and widen your horizon. While there is a dip in the market you can try to learn some new skills, travel abroad or take your career into higher level and practice without going out of the field. At any rate, may you find your rainbow in this wonderful industry.
I'm using the extra time as an opportunity to re-train in my old career in computers. It is much a much more stable career and is much easier on the body. I'll be able to do it when I get older, unlike massage which destroys your joints.
I believe we're headed for even harder economic times, and I don't want to be stuck in a job that offers expendable, un-necessary services like massage. The luxuries are the first to go.
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